Thursday, August 4, 2011

What a friend we have in Jesus

As we probably know most hymns in our hymnals were poems.'What a friend we have in Jesus' is no exception.
It was written in 1855 by Joseph M. Scriven to his mother living in Ireland while he was staying in Canada.
Anyway I'm not writing to inform you of the history behind this hymn but rather the message that it passes.
Every time I hear this hymn I find myself thinking of all the needless pain I bear yet I could take all the pain to the Lord in prayer. Just as it is written that we should cast our burdens unto the Lord,Matthew 11:28 and He'll give us rest.
Let's meditate on these words and let them ring true in our lives.


What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.

Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised Thou wilt all our burdens bear
May we ever, Lord, be bringing all to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright unclouded there will be no need for prayer
Rapture, praise and endless worship will be our sweet portion there.

We truly have a friend in Jesus,

Ciao